Woodstown Borough Council members applaud while Republican newcomer Glenn Merkle hugs Cynthia Nolan, of Elmer Borough Council, after being sworn in as councilman during the reorganization meeting on Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013. Family of Merkle gathered around while Merkle took oath. (Staff Photo by Brittany M. Wehner/South Jersey Times)

WOODSTOWN — Republicans retained control on the Woodstown Borough Council after the swearing in of a newcomer and incumbent during the reorganization meeting Thursday night.

The six-member council is comprised of five Republicans and one Democrat. The mayor, Don Dietrich is a Republican.

Republican Councilman David Layton was appointed council president.

Family and friends gathered in the borough hall for the event, showing support of their fellow elected officials.

Grenier has served on the borough council for five years and filled a vacancy last year for an unexpired term.

The councilman said key issues are continuing quality services while finding new ways to save money and utilizing open space resources. Also, Grenier said main issues of residents are taxes and quality of life issues.

“It’s still going to be a tight budget so we will be battling that with some other issues. We will be working with parks and we would like to see the historic preservation beautification continue its movement,” Grenier said.

Merkle, who is serving his first term ever on the borough council, said he was excited to represent Woodstown.

The new councilman added that he wants to maintain present services and prepare for challenges of the future by working on shared services and promoting local businesses.

“We will focus on he budget and continue serving the people who elected us,” Merkle said.

The borough council also appointed the following borough duties during the meeting — Cynthia Dalessio, borough clerk, George “Buck” Rosenberger, solicitor, Danielle Farrell of Remington, Vernick & Walberg, engineer, and John G. Hoffman, prosecutor.

“This is a terrific borough council and I am really looking forward to working with everybody this upcoming year,” Dietrich said.

Other members of the council include Republicans Ed Segrest, Veronica Soultz, and Democrat Joe Hiles.